Aquaculture basket clip and line protector

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a protector for a clip and line used to suspend aquaculture baskets or like equipment in water. In particular, the protector provides a sacrificial element between the clip and the line that is cheap to manufacture and easy to replace. While an application of the present invention is in oyster cultivation, it could equally well be applied to any process involving the line suspension of an article in water.

The present invention relates to a protector for a clip and line used tosuspend aquaculture baskets or like equipment in water. In particular,the protector provides a sacrificial element between the clip and theline that is cheap to manufacture and easy to replace. While anapplication of the present invention is in oyster cultivation, it couldequally well be applied to any process involving the line suspension ofan article in water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is common for molluscs such as oysters to be grown on a commercialscale in artificial environments in early stages of growth. Typically,the stock is then transferred to sea environments for what is known as“grow out”. Cultivation of oysters is accomplished by initially growingthe lava in special tanks until they reach a juvenile size when they canbe transferred to containers in intertidal or sub-tidal sites.Typically, the containers are in the form of baskets having perforatedwalls which enable water to flow through the baskets where the oystersuse the water flow to obtain nutrients from the water as well asflushing impurities away.

In adjustable long line oyster cultivation, the baskets are typicallysuspended from lines that extend for hundreds of metres with multiplelines being attached in a parallel configuration according to anembodiment. These lines are typically made up of tensioned monofilamentwith a protective sheath or “drip tube” over the monofilament to reducewear. Posts are used to support the tensioned line and are typicallyspaced at intervals along the line to allow for at least one basket tobe suspended between adjacent posts. The drip tube typically extends thefull length of the line. Special clips are used to attach the baskets tothe drip tube, and can be attached both along the line (parallelarrangement) or across pairs of lines (perpendicular arrangement).

It has been recognised more recently that placing baskets in rougherwaters can improve the growth of oysters. However, more aggressive waterconditions have brought about problems not previously encountered incalmer water conditions. Most notably, it has been found that the clipsused to rotatably attach the oyster baskets to the drip tubes arewearing, as are the drip tubes in areas where the clips attach. Inrougher waters, it is not uncommon for clips and hence baskets to slideback and forth along the drip tube and collide with the support posts.Baskets have also been known to perform full 360 degree rotations aboutthe line. This often results in winding of the drip tube and can alsohave adverse effects when, for example, winding occurs in oppositedirections at opposite ends of the drip tube.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a known clip 2 including at one end ameans of rotatable attachment 4 to an oyster basket and at the other enda means of rotatable attachment 5 to a drip tube 6 which acts as aprotective sheath for the line 7. The rotatable attachment 5 is simply ahook means with an opening of sufficient size to receive the tube whenthe hook is forced down on the tube and to maintain the tube therein.The result is that the clip is slideable along the tube, but not easilyremovable unless the clip is forced in a direction away from the line.It is the areas indicated by reference numeral 8 on the clip andreference numeral 9 on the drip tube which would typically wear andrender the clips and tubes unusable over time. The attachment portion 5of the clip is such that the drip tube 6 needs to be secured therein,but when this part is sufficiently worn, the tube 6 can easily becomedetached from the clip.

The skilled addressee would understand the expense and labour that isrequired to replace these clips, and moreso to have to remove clips andbaskets suspended on a line to enable a full replacement of the line.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to alleviate some ofthe aforementioned problems, or at least provide the public with auseful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention provides a clip and line protectorfor use in aquaculture environments in which an article such as anoyster basket is rotatably suspended, via one or more clips, from asupport line, said protector including a sacrificial element interposedbetween said clip and said line such that during rotation of the one ormore clips about the line only the sacrificial element experiencesfrictional wear.

The skilled addressee would thus realise the only moving components arethe clip and the sacrificial bearing element about the line, so the onlycomponent that will wear is the sacrificial bearing element which can becheaply and easily replaced.

In an embodiment, the support line is a monofilament line supportedalong a plurality of support posts, and said sacrificial element is alength of protective sheath or drip tube extending between two adjacentline support posts in rotatable engagement with the line, the basketclip adapted to engage the drip tube.

In an alternate embodiment, the clip and line protector further includesan attachment portion in the form of a cylindrical sleeve adapted to befitted directly to the line or protective sheath therefor, the basketclip adapted to engage the sleeve.

In an embodiment, said sleeve is dimensioned to be a snug fit on theline such that the sleeve does not slide.

In an embodiment, said sleeve includes a waterproof adhesive on itsinner surface for locking the sleeve to the line.

In a further alternate embodiment, said clip and line protector furtherincludes an attachment portion in the form of a cylindrical sleeveadapted to be fitted directly to the line or protective sheath, whereinsaid sleeve forms an outer surface about which said sacrificial bearingelement is adapted to rotate.

In an embodiment, said sleeve is dimensioned to be a snug fit on theline such that the sleeve does not slide.

In an embodiment, said sleeve includes a waterproof adhesive on itsinner surface for locking the sleeve to the line.

In an embodiment, said sleeve includes raised end portions adaptedprevent the sacrificial bearing element from sliding off the sleeve.

In a yet further alternate embodiment, said sacrificial element formspart of a basket clip assembly and includes a portion adapted torotatably engage said line, said portion being detachable from said clipassembly.

In a further alternate embodiment, the clip and line protector furtherincludes an attachment portion attachable to said line, wherein saidclip is adapted to engage the sacrificial element which is journalledabout said line such that the clip and sacrificial element rotatablyengage the line.

In an embodiment, said attachment portion is substantially preventedfrom sliding along said line.

In an embodiment, said attachment portion is in the form of a clampassembly including two clamp members which when assembled form a centralinternal channel for accommodating the support line or protective sheaththerefor.

In an embodiment, said clamp members are attachable to form said clampassembly by way of snap fit connection between one or more lugs andassociated corresponding locking apertures.

In an embodiment, said clamp members are attached by a hinged connectionand are lockable in the assembled closed position by a locking means.

In an embodiment, said clamp members are dimensioned such that when theyare assembled, a mid-cylindrical portion is formed about which saidsacrificial bearing element is adapted to rotate.

In an embodiment, said clamp members are dimensioned such that when theyare assembled, circular wall portions are formed at opposed endsthereof, said wall portions adapted to prevent the sacrificial bearingelement from sliding off the clamp assembly.

In an embodiment, the clamp assembly is manufactured from a durablematerial including rigid polyurethane.

In an embodiment, said sacrificial bearing element is manufactured froma flexible plastic or rubber material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate several implementations of theinvention and, together with the description, serve to explain theadvantages and principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a known clip and a lineincluding a drip tube to which the clip is configured to be rotatablysuspended;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an aquaculture basket suspendedfrom a long drip tube using clips, and a clip and line protectoraccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a clip and lineprotector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an assembled view of the clip and line protector ofFIG. 3 when attached to the line;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a clip and lineprotector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a clip and lineprotector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a clip and line protectoraccording to a further embodiment;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a clip and line protectoraccording to a still further embodiment;

FIG. 9a illustrates an end view of a ratchet-type clamp for the clip andline protector of FIG. 8 in a disengaged configuration;

FIG. 9b illustrates an end view of a ratchet-type end clamp for the clipand line protector of FIG. 8 in an engaged configuration; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a clip and line protectoraccording to a further embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description of the invention refers to theaccompanying drawings. Although the description includes exemplaryembodiments, other embodiments are possible, and changes may be made tothe embodiments described without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will beused throughout the drawings and the following description to refer tothe same and like parts. Dimensions of certain of the parts shown in thedrawings may have been modified and/or exaggerated for the purposes ofclarity or illustration.

The present invention relates to a clip and line protector 10 (embodiedherein as 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, 10 d and 10 e with other variationspossible). In an embodiment, the protector 10 includes a means ofattachment 12 to a suspension line or protective sheath for the line(often referred to as a drip tube) 6 and a means 14 of enabling a basketattachment clip, such as the known clip 2 shown in FIG. 1, to berotatably coupled to the means of attachment 12 while preventing directcontact between the clip and the line. In a broader embodiment, themeans 14 of enabling the basket attachment clip to be rotatably coupledto the line while preventing direct contact between the clip and line isconfigured for direct attachment to the line, i.e. the component 14 andthe means of attachment 12 are one and the same. In an alternateembodiment, the means 14 of enabling the basket attachment clip to berotatably coupled to the line forms part of the basket attachment clip.

The result is that the clip 2 and hence basket 16 suspended therefromcan still rotatably move in their intended manner, and in a manner whichpromotes oyster cultivation, but without the frictional wear on the line(or drip tube) or clip that existed when the clip was attached directlyto the line (or drip tube). The skilled addressee would appreciate thatin not having to replace the line, drip tube (if used), or basketattachment clip after they wear, the overall labour and cost to maintainan oyster cultivation farm is reduced.

In aspect further embodiment of the invention, the protector 10 alsoincludes a means of preventing sliding movement of the clip along theline 6 so as to prevent the basket from moving back and forth along theline in more aggressive conditions.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a basket 16 being suspended from a driptube 6 attached along its length to spaced apart support posts 20, andwherein two clips 2 are used and attached in a known manner to the topof the basket and coupled in the manner proposed in the presentinvention to the drip tube 6. It is to be understood that any one of theclip and line protectors 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, 10 d or 10 e embodied hereincould be used, as could any alternately designed protectors consideredto fall within the scope of the invention.

A protector 10 a according to an embodiment is shown in FIGS. 3-4. Asshown, the means of attachment to the tube may be in the form of atwo-piece clamp 12 a comprising a first clamp member 22 and a secondclamp member 24 which each include an elongate semi-circular mid portion26 and semi-circular end wall portions 28 of increased radial dimensionto that of the mid portions 26. When the two clamp members 22 and 24 areassembled together, as shown in FIG. 4, they form a cylindrical midportion and two circular end wall portions at ends thereof.

Each member 22 and 24 may include an internal semi-circular channel 30respectively, which when assembled form an internal channel of circularcross section extending along the full length of the clamp 12 a, thechannel being of a size to accommodate the drip tube 6 (or monofilamentline without drip tube, or any other type of supporting line). Theinternal surface of each channel 30 may be lined with gripping means 32adapted to grip the tube 6 when the clamp is assembled and therebyprevent sliding movement of the clamp 12 a along the tube. In theembodiment shown, these are in the form of rigid spikes protruding outfrom the internal surface of each channel 30, but other gripping meanscould be used. This may be an important feature in conditions where themovement of baskets along the lines is sought to be prevented, such asin rougher conditions where baskets have been known to collide with linesupport posts and also neighbouring baskets.

The first and second clamp members 22 and 24 may engage by way of a snapfit connection, and it can be seen in FIG. 3 how each of thesemi-circular end wall portions 28 may include one locating lug 34 andone locking aperture 36 associated therewith. In an embodiment, thefirst and second clamp members 22 and 24 are identical for ease ofmanufacturing. The skilled addressee would realise that each lug 34 ofone member will align with a locking aperture 36 of the other member, asshown in FIG. 3, and so each lug will be received and locked inside theopposed aperture by way of a snap fit. Snap fit connections areconsidered well known in the art, so the way in which the lug andlocking aperture interact will not be described in detail. Each of thesemi-circular end wall portions 28 include hollowed out bodies, not onlyto accommodate the lugs but also to reduce the amount of material usedand hence the cost of manufacture.

In this embodiment, the means of enabling the clip 2 to be rotatablycoupled to the clamp 12 a while preventing direct contact between theclip 2 and the drip tube 6 is in the form of a sacrificial bearingelement 14 a. The sacrificial bearing element 14 a is cylindrical inshape and substantially matches the shape of the cylindrical mid-portionof the clamp 12 a.

The element 14 a includes an open edge 38 so that it can be quickly andeasily fitted over the cylindrical mid portion of the clamp 12, and isconfigured such that it journals around the mid portion and is freelyrotatable.

Therefore, rather than the attachment portion 5 of the clip 2 beinghooked over the tube 6, it is hooked over the sacrificial bearingelement 14 a, and the clip 2 and the bearing element 14 a are free torotate about the clamp together. A person skilled in the art would thusrealise that the protector 10 forms a barrier between the clip 2 and theline or drip tube 6 such that neither component experiences frictioncaused by rotation and/or sliding of the clip along the tube. The resultis that neither component will wear and thus require replacement. Theonly component which will require replacement is the sacrificial bearingelement 14 a, which can be manufactured very quickly and inexpensively.The present invention thus provides a labour and cost benefit toaquaculture farmers, among other benefits. In addition, the bearingelement 14 a is prevented from sliding motion along the tube by thecircular end wall portions of the clamp 12 a, meaning the bearingelement 14 a and hence the clip and basket are prevented from slidingalong the line and impacting other baskets or posts.

Another embodiment 10 b of the present invention is shown in FIG. 5 anddemonstrates an alternate locking configuration between the first andsecond clamp members forming the clamp 12 b, which although configuredslightly differently are labelled once again as items 22 and 24 for thepurpose of brevity. Rather than utilising a snap fit lock between theclamp members 22 and 24, the protector 10 b according to this embodimentincludes a hinged connection 40. The same sacrificial element is usedand is referenced as 14 b. Although not shown, the clamp members wouldalso include a locking means for locking the clamp members together whenin the “closed” position. For example, a ratchet type locking device (asseen in the embodiment of FIG. 8 for example) could be used. Aside fromthe alternate connection between clamp members, the protector 10 b worksin the same way as protector 10 a and so a description of like orsimilar features will not be repeated.

A clip and line protector 10 c, according to another embodiment of thepresent invention is shown in FIG. 6 and demonstrates an alternate meansof attachment to the drip tube 6. Rather than utilising a rigid clamp,as per the previous embodiments, protector 10 c uses a cylindricalsleeve 12 c configured similarly to the sacrificial bearing element 14in that it is an open edged cylindrical structure adapted to be fittedover the line. In an embodiment, the internal surface of the cylindricalsleeve 12 c may include a suitable waterproof adhesive 42 or the like toensure the sleeve 12 c remains securely attached to the tube. In anembodiment, the adhesive may be such that the sleeve 12 c can also beeasily removed from the tube 6. In another embodiment, the material anddurability of the sleeve is sufficient for it to be maintained aroundthe line without the use of an adhesive.

The sleeve 12 c may be constructed of a material which allows forrotation of the sacrificial bearing element 14 c thereabouts. In such anembodiment, the sleeve 12 c acts in the same way as the previouslydescribed clamps 12 a and 12 b, that is, to provide a secure surfacealong the tube 6 about which the sacrificial element and clip canrotate. The sleeve 12 c may include raised portions 44 at opposed ends,as shown, which could be made of the same material as the sleeve, andwhich serve to prevent sliding of the sacrificial element.

In an alternate embodiment not illustrated, the protector could beformed by two clamp members which rather than being of an elongateconstruction and configured to close down on one another to effectengagement, include a groove permitting a twist/pivot lock to thesupport line.

It is to be understood that other embodiments are possible, includingfor example where rather than having two lockable components as per thefirst and second embodiments, the line protector is a one piece design.

For example, FIG. 7 illustrates a protector 10 d in the form of acylindrical sacrificial element 14 d which also acts as the means ofrotatable attachment 12 d to the line. The rotatable attachment 5 of thebasket clip shown in FIG. 1, for example, can be clipped over thesacrificial element and thus allowed to rotate with it about the line.Two spaced apart ratchet-type clamps 46 are clamped over the element 14d and may be tightened to an extent which prevents the element fromsliding along the line, but still allows for the C-shaped insert'srotation about the line. Alternatively, the clamps could be tightened toan extent which prevent rotation of the sacrificial element, but thenone would need to ensure the sacrificial element is made of a materialthat would not cause the basket clip to wear given that there would befrictional engagement between these two members. The clamps 46 may alsoact as end stops to prevent sliding of the basket clip beyond the endsof the C-shaped sacrificial element.

FIG. 8 illustrates a similar embodiment 10 e but rather than thesacrificial element 14 e being clamped to the line 6, it rotatablyengages the line by its own properties and configuration. Thesacrificial element again also acts as a rotatable attachment 12 e tothe line. The two clamp members 46 may still be used, as shown, act asend stops for preventing the element and/or the clamp from sliding alongthe line. A cross section of these clamps locking down on the line isshown in FIGS. 8a-8b In a further embodiment not shown, in which theline 7 does not include a drip tube, the sacrificial element 14 d/14 ecould indeed be a length of drip tube extending between the two adjacentsupport posts.

FIG. 10 illustrates a protector 10 f according to a still furtherembodiment in which the sacrificial element 14 f forms part of a basketclip assembly 48, the sacrificial element including a portion configuredto rotatably journal directly about a support line, or around a surfaceof a clamp 12 f as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 10. In thisembodiment, the sacrificial element could be detachable from the basketclip so that it may be easily replaced.

It is to be further understood that other means of preventing sliding ofthe clip along the line or protective sheath than the means proposedherein could also be implemented.

Further advantages and improvements may very well be made to the presentinvention without deviating from its scope. Although the invention hasbeen shown and described in what are conceived to be the most practicaland preferred embodiments, it is recognized that departures may be madetherefrom within the scope and spirit of the invention, which is not tobe limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded thefull scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devicesand apparatus.

Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless thecontext requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as“comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusionof a stated integer or step, or group of integers or steps, but not theexclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and shouldnot be taken as, an acknowledgement or any suggestion that the prior artforms part of the common general knowledge.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A suspension clip and line protector foruse in aquaculture environments, said protector comprising: a clampincluding: a first end wall; a second end wall; a middle portionextending from said first end wall to said second end wall, each of saidfirst and second end walls having an increased radial dimension relativeto said middle portion; and a longitudinal channel extending throughsaid first end wall, said middle portion and said second end wall, saidchannel having an inner surface to engage a support line, said innersurface being configured to inhibit sliding of the support line throughsaid channel when said clamp is engaged with the support line; and asacrificial element configured to fit over said clamp and rotate freelythereabout, said first and second end walls of said clamp beinglongitudinally spaced apart from one another to limit longitudinalmovement of said sacrificial element along said clamp while permittingsaid sacrificial element to rotate freely about said clamp while saidclamp is engaged with the support line; and wherein said sacrificialelement is configured to be interposed between a suspension clip andsaid clamp such that said clip is configured to rotate freely about theclamp and wherein the suspension clip is part of a basket assembly. 2.The clip and line protector according to claim 1, wherein the channelincludes a waterproof adhesive on its inner surface for locking theclamp to the line.
 3. The clip and line protector according to claim 1,wherein said clamp includes upper and lower members attached by a hingedconnection and lockable in an assembled closed position by a lockingmeans.
 4. The clip and line protector according to claim 1, wherein theclamp is manufactured from a durable material including rigidpolyurethane.
 5. The clip and line protector according to claim 1,wherein said sacrificial element is manufactured from a flexible plasticor rubber material.